[LOCAL TALENT]

Monica Reid used to be morbidly obese. She thought the meaning of life was merely to exist. She lacked courage and confidence in herself, and didn’t think there was anything she could do to change. Then she began working out at the Kraze Fitness Center in Winson-Salem. She lost 196 pounds and transformed herself, both physically and emotionally. With the help of the Kraze Fitness staff and her own dedication, she saved her own life. “I live each day as a gift and see its beauty with every deep breath I take,” she says. Kevin Pyles, owner of the Kraze Fitness Center, and Monica hope to help people accomplish the same successes she has. They have created a free Lose to Live program, beginning on Feb. 1, which is designed to assist morbidly obese individuals with a body mass index of 40 or above to become healthy and lose weight. “The program is free for those who qualify and agree to commit to the program 100 percent,” Kevin says. Monica and Kevin hope to attract people in the community who might not feel comfortable in a fitness center.

The Kraze Fitness Center staff along with Salem Physical Therapy and Sports Rehab staff members have teamed up to work together. Five individuals will be chosen at a time, with the remaining applicants put on an exclusive waiting list. The Kraze Fitness Center will be taking applications through Jan. 25 at 3098 Healy Drive in Winston- Salem. Call 336.765.1950 to find out more information. “I have learned what reason, season, and lifetime mean,” says Monica after changing her life with the Kraze Fitness Center. She is now one of their staff members.